It has reached the ears of this intrepid reporter that Steve Hughes, who recently had to almost certainly count himself out of performing with the band at the areas on Sunday, will be back in his seat for the Areas on Sunday. This is brilliant news that Steve is making a speedier way along the road to recovery than we initially thought.

Great to have you back, Steve!

Besses o' th' Barn have been asked to accompany Beth Nielsen Chapman at her upcoming concert at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.

For her next release due in early 2010, Beth is delving deeply into a collection of 11 new songs about love and life, rooted in folk and Americana—this time all in English

We are very excited to be working with Beth on this and can't wait to get out on stage with her.

Find out more about the concert here

Find out more about Beth Nielsen Chapman here

We're delighted to welcome to new players to our ranks:

Jeremy on second trombone and Nicky on first horn.

Great to have you guys on board.

Thanks to everyone for their continued hard work and support.

In preparation for the Areas in March and due to an influx of new players, we have been taking stock of what uniform the band currently has.

We are low on many of the Band Uniform items such:

• Concert Jackets (black and red, with Besses eagle on sleeve)
• Walking Out Jackets (black, with Besses eagle on breast pocket)
• Band Ties (at least two vintages out there - definitely more! Black with purely yellow eagle, Black with yellow and red eagle, and the rest...)
• Bow ties
• Cumberbunds

If you have any of these at the bottom of a drawer, at the back of a warbrobe, in the boot of a car, etc. please return them to us - post them or drop them off at the band room. No questions asked

Details of our address are on the Contact Page - Besses o' th' Barn

We are aiming to look (and sound) our best for the Areas in March, so we would be really very grateful if anyone returns items to us.